¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥

This month, we're excited to highlight Colin Trepanier, Strategic Academic Initiatives Officer at the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ School of Business. We learn about his favourite comfort food, top travel destination and his best advice for new colleagues!

What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?

I’m left-handed across the board in everything I do, I even ride goofy when snowboarding.

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or day off?

Going to a hot yoga class at Metta Yoga, followed by a bowl of pho at either Pho Thanh or Pho
Hoan Pasteur.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

The big island of Hawaii, Kona. I got the chance to play in a rugby tour around Hawaii when I was younger, and my body was still intact. Hawaii always left an imprint on me, mainly because I first learned how to surf there. There was nothing but good memories there worth reliving.

What’s a book, movie, or TV show you’re currently enjoying?

I am currently reading ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ by Dostoevsky. It’s been an amazing read, I am slowly trying to work my way through his collection. I would recommend ‘Crime and Punishment’ as well as ‘The Idiot’. His books are nearing 150 years old, but they still stand the test of time in terms of literary composition and human exploration.

Do you have a favorite meal or go-to comfort food?

It’s easy to just go with Pho again, but I will pivot. I would say my partner’s lasagna. I am convinced I could go my entire life only eating her lasagna.

What inspires or motivates you the most in your day-to-day life?

Before my time at the university, I was doing frontline work with the houseless population in Edmonton and I think that line of work really develops your perspective and empathy for fellow human beings. I still find myself inspired and motivated by some of those folks. It wasn’t uncommon that I was working with someone who had been dealt a continuation of bad hand their entire life, yet they still exercised optimism and a willingness to continue pursuing their goals and dreams. I am not sure what is much more motivating and inspiring than that.

What inspires or motivates you the most in your day-to-day life?

My son is my greatest source of inspiration and motivation every day. He drives me to be my best, keeps me moving forward, and reminds me of what truly matters. His laughter fills my heart with joy, his curiosity inspires me to keep learning, and his love gives me strength, even on the toughest days. Everything I do is for him—to create a better future, to show him the value of hard work and kindness, and to be the role model he deserves.

Can you share a bit about your role and what brought you to the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ School of Business?

Well, it’s a relatively simple job with a complicated title. As the Strategic Academic Initiatives
Officer within the Master’s and Executive Education, I help develop and review master programs, executive education certificates and everything in between. I take these program developments and alterations and then pass them through the tedious U of A governance cycle.

How I ended up here? I started the Masters in Business Administration part-time program 3 years ago when I was still working with a homeless foundation; I had no intention of working for the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ School of Business, but I started making connections within the office. I recognized that the people that I was interacting with within the Master’s and Executive Education Office were the sort of people I knew I would love working with. When I saw the position become available, I didn’t blink. I applied and the day before my interview, I bought a brand-new green suit to wear, I still believe it was the suit that really put me over the edge… or maybe it just gave me the confidence I needed in the interview. Either way, I am here now!

What’s been your most memorable moment at the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ School of Business so far?

The first time I entered the 5 th floor lounge. I did my undergraduate degree here at the U of A and then the first 3 years of my master’s before becoming a staff member. That room was such a mystery to me. I remember the first time I flashed my ONEcard and the sensor went green, I felt like I had just unlocked a new world. Stepping into the space was a surreal moment and I seldomly enjoy sneaking my fellow MBA students in there during our night classes, so they can experience the same thing as me.

What’s one piece of advice you’d share with a new colleague joining the school?

Put in the effort to get to know your colleagues. Whether they are within your particular office or fall into another space within the Business School. I have gotten to meet so many cool people during my time here. Their sharing of their experiences and knowledge has also been instrumental in helping me develop within my role.